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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Maffra (Vic.) has an estimated 5,509 residents, up from 5,384 at the 2021 Census — a change of 125 people, or 2.3%. Growth has averaged 0.5% a year over five years, slower than 78% of areas nationally. Density is about 70 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch evaluations combining broader ABS population updates and validated post-Census address additions, the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) has an estimated population of 5,509 as of Aug 2026. This indicates an expansion of 125 people (2.3%) from the 2021 Census total of 5,384 people. The figure builds on an estimated resident population of 5,488 from the ABS ERP release in June 2025 alongside 91 newly validated addresses logged after the Census. With 69 persons per square kilometer, the local density remains low, offering substantial physical room for prospective growth.
The area's post-Census expansion of 2.3% tracks closely with the broader SA3 benchmark of 2.4% (a difference of 0.1 percentage points), highlighting solid growth characteristics. The main catalyst for local population increases has been interstate arrivals, accounting for roughly 53.0% of recent gains, supported additionally by positive contributions from natural increase and overseas migration. Population projections adopt 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia models pegged to a 2022 baseline for local SA2 regions, supplemented where necessary by 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA datasets calibrated to SA2 boundaries via weighted growth aggregation. Cohort-specific growth rates derived from these aggregated models are applied across the 2032 to 2041 timeframe. Demographic modeling projects substantial expansion that places the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) within the upper quartile of regional Australian districts, with SA2 projections indicating an addition of 1,724 persons by 2041, representing a cumulative increase of 30.9% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
115 new dwellings have been approved in Maffra (Vic.) over the past five years, an average of 23 a year. That is 4.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 25 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 92% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 19, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch shows that annual residential approvals have averaged roughly 23 homes, totaling an estimated 115 approvals over the preceding 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with 19 recorded to date in FY-25. The balance between local demand and building activity remains sound, characterized by an inflow of 1 people per year for every home constructed during the 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), while estimated residential building costs average $436,000 per dwelling. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $7.6 million have been registered this financial year, underscoring the largely residential focus of local development.
Per-capita building activity aligns with broader Rest of Vic. trends, underpinning stable market conditions. Of recent residential construction, separate houses account for 92.0% while townhouses and apartments represent 8.0%, preserving the low-density neighborhood aesthetic and catering to families seeking spacious housing. A modest development pace is further evidenced by a ratio of 343 people per approved dwelling. Based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch, projections anticipate an increase of 1,703 residents through 2041. Should current construction volumes persist, additions to housing stock could lag behind demographic expansion, creating heightened buyer demand and placing upward pressure on property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Maffra (Vic.)
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 7 current infrastructure and development projects inside Maffra (Vic.), worth an estimated $340 million. A further 48 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $9.95 billion. 22 are already under construction and 27 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and energy. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local economic momentum and regional performance are closely tied to public investment and major development schemes. AreaSearch has highlighted 8 significant initiatives expected to shape the local environment, notably the Maffra Aged Care Facility, Maffra Retarding Basins and Wetlands, Maffra Heavy Vehicle Bypass Route, and Maffra Northern Growth Precinct.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Maffra Aged Care Facility
The $69.7 million Maffra Aged Care Facility involves the construction of a new 30-bed public sector residential aged care facility. The design follows a 'small household' model, providing residents with private bedrooms and ensuites, alongside communal kitchens, dining areas, and lounges. The project also delivers a new commercial kitchen and energy centre to support the wider Maffra District Hospital campus, enhancing integrated health services for the Wellington Shire community.
Gippsland Digital Infrastructure Upgrade
Regional digital infrastructure initiative led through the Gippsland Regional Partnership and Regional Development Victoria to improve digital connectivity across Gippsland. The Gippsland Digital Plan prioritises reducing mobile blackspots, improving broadband and fibre services, supporting remote and vulnerable communities, increasing digital literacy, and improving connectivity for businesses, tourism and remote work. The program continues as an advocacy and coordination initiative with projects delivered by multiple government and telecommunications partners.
Maffra Retarding Basins and Wetlands
The project involves the construction of retarding basins and wetlands to manage stormwater, alleviate flooding, support integrated water management, and enable residential development as part of the Maffra Structure Plan. Planning Scheme Amendment C120well, which implements these plans, is currently under consideration for adoption.
Maffra Heavy Vehicle Bypass Route
Redirection of large freight movements from Maffra-Newry Road to Powerscourt Street and then to Sandy Creek Road to reduce heavy vehicle traffic through the town centre and residential areas, improving safety, amenity, and traffic flow. Includes upgrading Sandy Creek Road to accommodate heavy vehicles as part of the adopted Maffra Structure Plan.
Maffra South-Eastern Growth Precinct
Strategic residential expansion area (Precinct E) designated under the Maffra Structure Plan. The precinct encompasses land identified for General Residential Zone and Low Density Residential Zone development, integrated with stormwater retarding basins, wetland infrastructure, and open space corridors to accommodate around 350 lots.
Maffra Northern Growth Precinct
Council-led residential growth precinct north of Maffra (Precincts A-D) guided by the Maffra Structure Plan. Planning Scheme Amendment C120well implements the framework into the Wellington Planning Scheme through the introduction of General Residential Zone Schedule 2 (GRZ2) and Development Plan Overlay Schedule 1 (DPO1) to facilitate approximately 627 residential dwellings to 2042.
Stratford Structure Plan (2025)
A 20 year strategic structure plan being prepared by Wellington Shire Council to guide the future growth of Stratford. The plan will establish a settlement boundary, identify future residential, commercial and industrial growth areas, protect environmental and heritage assets, and provide the strategic basis for future amendments to the Wellington Planning Scheme. As of 2026, the draft plan is being finalised following community consultation and technical studies, with a final public consultation phase expected before completion.
North Sale Growth Area Development Plan
Comprehensive development plan for the 294ha North Sale Growth Area providing a framework for coordinated urban development. It includes 1,000+ residential lots, a new Sale College campus at Gibsons and Cobains Road, a 122-place early years hub, infrastructure upgrades, and community facilities.
2,480 residents of Maffra (Vic.) are employed, from a labour force of 2,552. Unemployment sits at 2.8%, with participation at 57.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,388, about 80% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labor market encompasses a diverse mix of white-collar and blue-collar occupations with solid essential services employment, an unemployment rate standing at only 2.8%, and estimated annual jobs growth of 2.8% based on AreaSearch statistical aggregations. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,480, and the jobless rate tracked 0.9% lower than the 3.7% recorded across Regional Vic., while participation remained lower at 57.3% compared to 61.1% regionally. Remote work was recorded by 10.2% of workers at the Census, although figures may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions. Key industries providing work to residents comprise health care & social assistance, construction, as well as education & training.
Local specialization is especially prominent in mining, which exhibits an employment proportion 4.4 times the regional standard. Conversely, manufacturing claims a smaller footprint at 5.7%, compared with 7.7% across the broader region. Comparison between resident counts and local workplace numbers from the Census points to relatively constrained employment opportunities inside the immediate boundaries. Aggregated ABS and SALM data compiled by AreaSearch shows that across the 12-month timeframe, employment advanced by 2.8% while the local labor force expanded by 2.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. Over the same timeframe across Regional Vic., jobs contracted by 0.1%, the workforce shrank by 0.3%, and unemployment eased by 0.2 percentage points. Forward-looking national projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide context on potential sector trajectories. Nationally, employment is projected to rise by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% across ten years, though industry variations exist. When modeled against the local industry composition, these national metrics indicate prospective employment growth of 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (representing a baseline weighting calculation for context that excludes local demographic projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Maffra (Vic.) is $1,285 a week (about $67,000 a year), with median personal income at $669 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $46,565 a year against an average of $56,663. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode-level taxation data for financial year 2023 indicates a median taxpayer income of $46,565 and an average of $56,663, trailing national benchmarks as well as the Regional Vic. comparisons of $50,954 and $62,728. Incorporating Wage Price Index gains of 9.62% since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $51,045 for median income and $62,114 for average income as of March 2026. Findings from the 2021 Census place local personal, family, and household earnings between the 19th and 22nd percentiles across Australia. The most common income tier is the $1,500 - 2,999 category, covering 30.1% of residents (1,658 people), closely matching the 30.3% observed regionally.
Even though housing expenses remain manageable with households retaining 87.1% of income, overall disposable earnings sit at the 23rd percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Maffra (Vic.) had 2,130 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 6% apartments. 37% are owned with a mortgage, 22% rented and 41% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $250 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 19.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, the local housing landscape was composed of 93.2% houses alongside 6.8% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures), contrasting with 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings across Regional Vic.. Full home ownership mirrored the wider Regional Vic. rate at 41.0%, while 36.8% of dwellings were being purchased with a mortgage and 22.3% were rented. Typical monthly mortgage payments were $1,300 and median weekly rents were $250, sitting below the respective Regional Vic. benchmarks of $1,430 and $285. In a nationwide context, mortgage commitments fall well below the Australian average of $1,863, with rental costs similarly lower than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Maffra (Vic.) counted 2,130 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 31% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households constitute 67.4% of local dwellings, consisting of couples without children (30.9%), couples with children (24.7%), and single parent families (10.9%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 32.6%, made up of lone person households (30.7%) and group households (2.0%). Average household occupancy stands at 2.3 people, slightly under the Regional Vic. norm of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
16.1% of adults in Maffra (Vic.) hold a university qualification, including 11.0% with a bachelor degree and 2.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 32.0% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 935 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 985 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary attainment presents an area of developmental need, with university qualification levels at 16.1% compared to the statewide VIC proportion of 33.4%. Higher education credentials include Bachelor degrees at 11.0%, graduate diplomas at 2.6%, and postgraduate degrees at 2.5%. Conversely, vocational and practical qualifications are widespread, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, comprising advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (32.0%). A substantial 27.2% of the local population is engaged in formal education. Primary school students make up 11.3% of the community, 8.0% attend secondary schools, and 2.3% are enrolled in tertiary study.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Maffra (Vic.) means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The public transit network comprises 16 active stops across the locality, operated via 2 distinct routes that provide 43 passenger journeys each week. Public transport connectivity is favorable, with an average distance of 373 meters to the closest stop. Given the area's residential profile, outbound commuting is widespread, with private vehicles serving as the predominant mode of travel for 94% of trips. Households possess an average of 1.5 vehicles, while 10.2% worked from home according to the 2021 Census (which may reflect conditions during the pandemic). Transit schedules deliver an average of 6 services daily across the entire network, translating to roughly 2 departures per week at each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.2% of residents in Maffra (Vic.) report no long-term health condition. 7.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates by AreaSearch indicates noticeable health challenges, with health ailments present across older and younger cohorts, alongside a relatively subdued private health insurance uptake of approximately 49% (~2,715 people). By comparison, the national rate is 55.7%. Prevalent chronic conditions reported locally include arthritis (9.8% of residents) and mental health issues (8.8%), whereas 63.2% of individuals reported no long-term medical conditions, comparable to 63.4% throughout Regional Vic.. Working-age residents experience elevated rates of chronic illness. Older residents aged 65 and over make up 25.5% of the local population (1,404 people), exceeding the Regional Vic.
level of 24.0%, with health outcomes for this cohort aligning broadly with national trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Maffra (Vic.) is largely Australian-born, at 91.4% of residents, with 3.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (34.0%) and English (33.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Measures of cultural diversity sit below broader benchmarks, with Australian citizens comprising 91.0% of the populace, 91.4% born within Australia, and 96.9% using only English at home. Christianity forms the largest religious affiliation at 48.6% of residents, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.. The primary reported ancestries based on parental birthplace are Australian (34.0%), English (33.0%), and Irish (9.3%). Variations in other ancestral backgrounds include Dutch representation at 2.3% (against 1.7% regionally), Scottish at 8.6% (against 8.8%), and Polish at 0.5% (against 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Maffra (Vic.) is 42. 22.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution closely tracks Regional Vic. patterns, with the most significant divergence being 2.9 percentage points. The median age is estimated at 42, matching the 2021 Census finding and sitting 1 year below the Regional Vic. median of 43 from that same Census. The proportion of residents aged 45 - 64 has decreased from 24.1% at the Census to an estimated 21.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, the largest demographic expansion is expected within the 25 - 44 cohort, rising by 574 residents (46%) to reach 1,825.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Maffra (Vic.)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 2 months ago all 7 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 91 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (5,384 at the 2021 Census → 5,509 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL21571). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.